Scott Drinkwater set for early Cowboys exit days after teammate's bumper $3m extension

Scott Drinkwater looks set to depart the Cowboys before his contract ends, with the Dragons expected to pounce and sign the livewire fullback.

The future of North Queensland's No.1 has been thrust into the spotlight after the club managed to secure young gun Jaxon Purdue on a fresh four-year, $3 million deal.

Purdue is seen as one of the game's fastest-rising stars and has been touted as a future State of Origin player since making his debut last year, with the Cowboys likely to turn the talented backline utility utility into a permanent fullback.

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"Jaxon is already one of the better centres in the competition, a position he didn't play until he reached the NRL," general manager of football Micheal Luck said.

"His versatility is an enormous asset to our club moving forward.

"Aside from being an elite centre, he was one of the best schoolboys halves in Queensland and has shown he has the ability to be a high level fullback."

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The extension had led to immediate question marks over Drinkwater's status with the Cowboys moving forward and The Sydney Morning Herald has now confirmed the 28-year-old has been granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs.

St George Illawarra have made no secret of their desire to sign a marquee spine player and Drinkwater would fit the mould, with a deal expected to be finalised soon.

At this stage, neither club have spoken publicly about Drinkwater's potential move.

Earlier in the week, Drinkwater was quizzed on 2GB's Wide World Of Sports Radio about his future and was coy on where he would be for 2027 and beyond.

"I've been linked to a few places, haven't I? I guess it's my turn to be in the NRL merry-go-round," he said. Wide Wide of Sports on Wednesday night.

"At this point, I am here until 2027. No one has come to me and told me anything ... we will just have to see what happens."

Drinkwater was become a free agent from November 1 this year, but there is always a chance North Queensland could offload him earlier.

The news comes after Dolphins speedster Trai Fuller knocked back an immediate move to the Dragons, who were only willing to sign him for the rest of 2026.

St George Illawarra have also been linked with a play for Jahream Bula, who is weighing up his future at Wests Tigers and an option for next season.

Tyrell Sloan will wear the No.1 jumper for the Red V on Friday night with Clint Gutherson sidelined due to a hamstring injury for the next month.